"The Hunger Games reviewed"

Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Release Date: Oct 1st, 2008

Excerpt:
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? 

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review:
Alright i'm big enough of a person to admit when i have been a bit unfair against this book. At first i was afraid to try it because it was being hyped so much and it had a bit "end of the world" theme. The last few times i jumped on the bandwagon of "OMG this book is so amazing" i found a book i'd loath for eternity and i one that i got bored with. The Hunger Games goes to show why you should always give a book a chance. It was the blog Reading Teen and Lori (the children's librarian at a local library) gushing that led me to renting this book. Now i want to buy this book. It was one of the best books i read in a long time. 

There is something about The Hunger Games that you really can't turn away from. It's like watching a car wreak. You don't know why, but you want to read more and more. This feeling was intensified since i was determined to not look ahead of the book. Katniss is such a wonderful character and role model for young girls. She's strong, smart, and resourceful. An additional plus for me is that she is considered a "normal girl". You don't know how tired I am of reading about "pretty heroines". Normal/plain girls can be just as kick ass and Katniss shows this. 

Peeta is another thing. He really reminded me of Yuki from the Fruits Basket manga. Strong in his own way, but weak as well. Not at all you're normal hero. It's something i have to give props to the author for letting the male lead sit back to the female for once. At this point though i'm not entirely sure how i feel about his character. He doesn't seem to mesh well with Katniss at the moment. 

Regarding the plot.... OMG BRILLIANT! I really didn't think i'd like the whole new North American's civilization thing, but i did. I also loved how the author gives you tab-its, but then holds them from you. The last author who seemed to do this correctly was J.K.Rowling. Yes, i just admitted that Suzanne has a similarity to one of my favorite authors of all time. Simply brilliant. I also like how Suzanne wasn't afraid to "go there" as you might say. The killing of kids can be a bit taboo. Yet Suzanne pulled it off with just the right amount of class. I almost cried when poor Rue was killed. Then the emotional break down that Katniss started to have. It was all very realistic. Something i appreciated from the normal hero/heroine who goes through a major trauma and then goes bakes cookies while whistling a cheery tune. Things aren't happy dory. The Capital is doing something utterly cruel and it's showing on every page. The fact that Katniss refused to play the game and is starting a rebellion is very pleasing. ^^ 

In the end,I literally cannot wait to read this next book. I'm debating with myself if i just want to go ahead and buy the series or wait till i read the next book (someone-else has it out at the library).... 


Rating: 5 Bunnies. Absolutely brilliant.